Mogadishu/Nairobi (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) have been responding to urgent needs following Saturday's explosion in Mogadishu. Two days on, the death toll continues to rise as bodies under the rubble are discovered.

In the past 48 hours, official sources confirm the deaths of 276 people, while over 284 survivors have been admitted to Keysaney, Medina, Daru Alshifa, Mogadishu City, Somali Sudanese and Kalkaal hospitals. The wounded are receiving treatment for the serious injuries they have sustained.

As the death toll rises with bodies pulled slowly from beneath the rubble, some of the bodies recovered are charred beyond recognition.

"Our energy is geared towards supporting relief operations on the ground. First aiders, medical staff and volunteers continue to ramp up their efforts, supporting operations for those who have survived and providing body bags to ensure the dead are buried in dignity," said Daniel Gerard O'Malley, ICRC's Deputy Head of Delegation currently in Mogadishu.

Medical kits have been made available to the hospitals in need of supplies and the presence of a mobile surgical team deployed in Mogadishu comes in support of hospital staff stretched to the limit in managing the influx.

Despite the challenges, the SRCS' first aid teams were able to help evacuate dozens of wounded in the early hours following the blast. "Our work would not be possible without the 38 active volunteers of the SRCS that have shown incredible courage in carrying out their duties with limited means," said Mr. Yusef Hasan Mohamed, SRCS' President. "As we mourn the loss of life, our efforts will focus on helping the living so that in time, people can gradually regain a sense of normalcy".